Mrs Nevill was a passenger in the rear seat of the black Vauxhall which was travelling towards Ashford when it collided with a VW Passat heading in the opposite direction close to the junction with Wye Road at around 3.30pm.

A further six people also sustained injuries in the accident - including a man and child who were flown to a London hospital by air ambulance.

The child has since been discharged but the man remains in hospital, and his condition is now believed to be stable.

Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone. Picture: Martin Apps

The serious collision investigation unit launched a probe shortly after the incident and is appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

Anyone who saw either vehicle being driven before the collision or drivers with any dashcam footage of the incident are also asked to call the SCIU witness appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting DS/MW/80/19.

A full inquest is set to take place at 10.30am on Tuesday, January 14 at Archbishop's Palace.